1. Written by Dallas Duncan
Keeping the Salon Clean: Preventing Bacteria, Viruses, and Other Contaminants
Written by Dallas Duncan
HS_CSII_2
2011

2. How Contaminants Enter the Body
Through a wound or other skin break
Contaminated water or food
Inhaling airborne pathogens
Eyes, ears, and other bodily fluids, such as blood
Cosmetologists should be especially concerned with bloodborne pathogens
If you accidentally cause a person with a bloodborne pathogen to bleed, you risk contaminating your tools or yourself
Contaminants can enter the body in a variety of ways, including through the eyes

3. Bacteria
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can exist almost anywhere
Bacteria move using whip-like flagella or cilia
Most bacteria are harmless and are constantly present in the body, helping to digest food and protect against foreign pathogens
Pathogens are harmful bacteria that can cause disease
Because of pathogenic bacteria, salons must maintain certain health standards and regulations

4. Types of Pathogenic Bacteria
Bacilli
Most common type of bacteria
Short and rod-shaped
Cause diseases such as lockjaw and tuberculosis
Cocci
Round-shaped bacteria that can be grouped into clusters, strings, or pairs
Varieties: Staphylococci, streptococci, diplococci
Cause diseases such as pneumonia and strep throat
Spirilla
Spiral-shaped bacteria
Cause diseases such as syphilis and Lyme disease
Staphylococcus bacteria

5. Bacteria Life Cycle Structure: Outer cell wall, internal protoplasm
Active/Vegetative Stage
Stage where bacteria grow and reproduce
After reaching the largest size, bacteria undergo mitosis and divide to form two new cells
Inactive/Spore-Forming Stage
Not all bacteria form spores
Spores allow bacteria to withstand hardship such as famine and unfavorable environments
When conditions change, bacteria become active again
Bacteria that can grow in colonies are in the active stage of their life cycle

6. Types of Bacterial Infection
Infection: Body tissues are invaded by a pathogen
Though there are some treatments for infection, many types of bacteria are becoming resistant, meaning there is now a greater need for pathogen control in cosmetology
Local Infection
Confined to a particular part of the body
Identified by a pus-containing lesion
General Infection
Bloodstream carries the bacteria and its toxins to all parts of the body
E. coli bacteria cause a general infection

7. Bacteriophage virus attacking a bacterial cell
Viruses
A virus is a microscopic structure that can get into the bodies of many organisms, including bacteria
They infect organisms by replicating their own genetic material alongside that of their host
Viruses consist of genetic material made of DNA or RNA, a protein coat, and a lipid envelope
There are millions of different kinds of viruses
Viruses are generally resistant to antibiotics
Bacteriophage virus attacking a bacterial cell

8. Viruses Pertinent to Cosmetology
Hepatitis
Causes inflammation of the liver
Three types — A, B, and C
A has flu-like symptoms and can be spread through poor sanitation and poor personal hygiene
B is more severe but is spread through sexual contact
C is fatal and is also spread through sexual contact
HIV/AIDS
HIV is spread through the transmission of bodily fluids
HIV can lead to AIDS, which compromises the immune system
Other viruses include common colds, chicken pox, polio, and the flu
Many of these other viruses can be spread through poor sanitation and poor personal hygiene
Novel H1N1 Influenza Virus

9. Nail infected with fungus
Fungi
Include molds, mildews, and yeasts
Can cause skin diseases such as ringworm
Nail Fungus
Contracted through improperly washed implements
Never goes away but is usually confined to one area
Can be spread between clients and from client to cosmetologist
Treatment is applied to the affected area but it can require a doctor’s care
Nail infected with fungus

10. Head lice are common parasites of interest to cosmetologists
Includes head lice and scabies
Parasites are smaller than their hosts and reduce the fitness and viability of the host
Can live on the surface or inside the host
Transmission of parasites depends on the hosts and the environment
Head lice are common parasites of interest to cosmetologists